Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez claims Javier Mascherano is close to agreeing new deal

Contract talks with Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano are edging closer to
a resolution but manager Rafael Benitez accepts there is still a little more
work to do.

The two parties have been talking over a new deal for the Argentina captain for
some time and Benitez is confident the matter will be resolved to both their
satisfaction.

Mascherano, whose current contract still has nearly two years to run, was a
target for Barcelona last summer and Liverpool are keen to tie him to a new
long-term contract to prevent another close season of speculation, especially in
a World Cup year.

New deal: Javier Mascherano

Spain goalkeeper Jose Reina will sign his new deal in the next three weeks to
join the likes of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger in
committing their future to the Reds.

'We were talking, progressing and we're closer now. Still we need to talk a
little bit but we are closer,' said Benitez.

'It would be very important for the club. We have some important players with
some years left on their contracts and this could be another one. It's very
important that we're keeping the spine of the team.

Row: Benitez and Riera

'Every fan knows he's a very important player for us, a key player who's good
for team spirit. He's an example for a lot of players.

'He shows every game his commitment, desire and passion. He has great
character, but he can also play. He's a player every manager would like to have
in their team.'

Less clear is the future of winger Albert Riera, who last week was suspended
for his outspoken comments about Benitez and the club, which he described as a 'sinking ship'.

Riera will be further disciplined - in the form of a fine - by the club later
this week when he returns to training.

But such was Benitez's anger at the content and timing of the Spain
international's remarks - coming on the eve of the crucial Europa League last-16
second tie at home to Lille - there is still a possibility the player could be
hastily jettisoned.

Riera, who has a Russian wife, has been linked with a move to CSKA Moscow and
also Spartak Moscow as the Russian league's transfer window does not close until
next month.